All about Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, Microsoft 365, Office 2021 and earlier versions.
Microsoft Store Edition of Microsoft 365 Apps Is Heading Into Retirement
Microsoft has quietly announced that the Microsoft Store version of Microsoft 365 apps will no longer receive feature updates after October 2025, nor security updates after December 2026. Microsoft 365 for Windows via the Microsoft Store was delivered via the Store’s Appx installation—sandboxed, safe, but increasingly outdated for modern enterprise needs. There was a time when […]
Secret stuff saved on your OneDrive
OneDrive isn’t just used for documents and photos. Microsoft saves a lot of related files in secret, hidden folders taking up the space customers pay for and preventing proper backup. Let’s look at the messy mix of things hidden in OneDrive and other Microsoft online locations. You can see what’s saved on your OneDrive storage […]
How to Switch Back to Classic Outlook from New Outlook
Looking for a way to revert to classic Outlook after trying the new Outlook for Windows? This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to switch back to classic Outlook, explains how both versions are probably on your PC. If you’ve tried the new Outlook for Windows and wish to return to the classic version, follow […]
Why doesn’t an Outlook change of address stick?
If you’re wondering why a contacts address change in Outlook doesn’t stick, you’re not alone—many Outlook users face this frustrating issue. There are three possible reasons starting with a little known quirk in how Outlook saves email addresses. An Office Watch reader asks why Outlook keeps remembering an old email address despite updating the contact […]
Easy Way to Copy Slides Between PowerPoint decks
Microsoft is retiring the Reuse Slides feature, however you can still copy slides manually—and it’s simple. Whether you’re preparing for a meeting, a lecture, or a project presentation, knowing how to quickly and efficiently move or copy slides between presentations can save you both time and hassle. To get started, you will need to have […]
SharePoint Security Alert: Critical Zero-Day Vulnerabilities and Emergency Updates
Recent zero-day vulnerabilities in SharePoint have exposed serious “ToolShell” risks, prompting Microsoft to issue an update then an emergency patch when the original fix wasn’t enough. We break down the latest SharePoint security flaws and the steps administrators need to take which go beyond just applying patches. The ‘zero day’ security hole affected SharePoint servers […]
Microsoft buys poo to look ‘green’
In the ongoing race to win the “We’re Totally Green Now” medal, Microsoft has galloped ahead—by offloading human waste and investing in tree-planting projects that may or may not be in the same hemisphere as their data centers. Editors note: never, in the 30 year history of Office Watch, did I think we’d have a […]
Protect Your Files from OneDrive: Beware Microsoft Account Lockouts
Worried about losing files in OneDrive or getting locked out of your Microsoft account? You should be worried. Reading about one horrifying OneDrive experience. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your data safe, why regular backups matter. Discover practical tips to protect your files and avoid the common pitfalls of relying on a […]
How to complain about the end of Microsoft Publisher
The upcoming end of Microsoft Publisher has left many loyal paying customers searching for answers and ways to express their frustrations. Here’s a realistic guide to the expectations and practical steps for anyone wanting to tell Microsoft how they feel about the end of Publisher Microsoft Publisher Ends in October 2026 – Key Dates, Alternatives […]
📅 Microsoft Office Support End Dates: Are You Prepared?
When will your version of Microsoft Office stop getting security bug and software bug fixes, what Microsoft calls the “end of support“. This is important because software updates are necessary for Office apps. Mainly because outdated versions are more vulnerable to hackers, particularly in the case of opening malicious emails, documents, or images. And, of […]
There’s a Freeze on New Microsoft 365 Features with Windows 10 in 2026
Microsoft quietly trims Windows 10 support for Microsoft 365 apps — As Windows 10 hits its official end‑of‑support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft 365 customers running on Windows 10 will get a lot less support time than Microsoft originally hinted. Their ‘fine print’ shortens full support from extra three years to less than one. Originally Microsoft said that Microsoft 365 […]
Microsoft sacks 15,000 workers, what that means to you
Microsoft is sacking another 9,000 workers or about 4% of its global workforce. That’s in addition to the 6,000 people dismissed earlier this year. What does that mean for us paying customers? If you’ve wondered why Microsoft pushes Copilot AI so hard – it’s to recoup their incredibly large investment in AI. One take is […]
How Not to Redact a Word Document: a lesson from Down Under
Down in Australia there’s another example of a mistake when redacting a Word document before public release. Make sure you delete any links to redacted text, such as a Table of Contents or summary. What caught our eye was the latest example of an oversight when redacting a document. Aussie public servants forgot to remove […]
Make any Excel function dynamic (almost)
Many common Excel functions have a great new power added to them with little fanfare. They can become dynamic array functions which improves the consistency of worksheets. It’s simple and easy to do. When Microsoft added dynamic arrays to Excel, all the focus was on the new functions like SORT, FILTER, and SEQUENCE that “spill” […]
Excel Spill Mystery: Why It Happens and How to Fix It
Some Excel functions won’t spill their results in the way you might expect. Edate(), EOmonth(), IsEven(), IsOdd() and RandBetween(), among many, need an extra little trick to become a dynamic array function. We’ve already explained how many common Excel functions (Round(), Trim(), Upper() and many more) can “spill” their results into multiple cells. But then—bam!—you […]
5 Easy Ways to Insert Images in PowerPoint: Quick Tips for Better Slides
Transform your next presentation by mastering five powerful ways to add images in PowerPoint. Whether you’re embedding visuals directly from the web, creating photo albums, leveraging SmartArt, or using Copilot enhancements, these expert tips will streamline slide preparation. On a PowerPoint slide with a picture placeholder, just click the image icon inside it. Then choose […]
